Legendary supermodel Stella Tenant dead at 50

Sudden death

One of the modelling industry's most iconic faces of the 90's, Stella Tennant, has just passed away. The British supermodel was most known for her androgynous look and for being the muse to acclaimed fashion photographer Steven Meisel and a favourite of the late Karl Lagerfeld.

Tennant was the granddaughter of Andrew Cavendish, the 11th Duke of Devonshire, and Deborah Mitford, one of the well known aristocratic siblings.

In 1999, she married French photographer David Lasnet and the couple went on to own a property empire in Edinburgh as well as having four children now aged between 15 and 22.

Tennant's family released a statement saying:

It is with great sadness we announce the sudden death of Stella Tennant on December 22, 2020. Stella was a wonderful woman and an inspiration to us all. She will be greatly missed. Her family ask for their privacy to be respected. Arrangements for a memorial service will be announced at a later date.

No further details about the cause of death have been released so far.

A modelling legend

The mother-of-four rose to fame in 1993 when she first appeared on the cover of British Vogue and, almost immediately after, becoming a runway regular for Versace, Chanel and Prada.

Her last cover shoot for the British fashion bible was for the December 2018 issue in which the model's pictures were published using very little photoshop –a rare feat in an industry that typically prioritizes youthfulness.

Fashion industry insiders and celebrity friends alike have inundated social media with messages of condolences.

In particular, editor-in-chief of British Vogue, Edward Enninful, shared a post on instagram remembering the iconic fashion model with the caption reading:

R.I.P kind and wonderful Stella. My thoughts and prayers are with your family